New police device to catch drivers on drugs

The new 'drugalyser' devices use improved technology and can detect even low level of drugs in saliva

Dominic Tobin

Sunday June 05 2011, 4.23pm, The Sunday Times

Dominic Tobin

Sunday June 05 2011, 4.23pm, The Sunday Times

The first “drugalysers” are expected to be approved for use in police stations by the end of this month, signalling a new crackdown on drivers who take drugs.

The handheld machines, currently being reviewed by the Home Office, will be able to detect a range of substances including amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, crack, methadone, ecstasy, crystal meth and opiates such as heroin.

Improved technology means that testing devices can now detect even low levels of drugs in saliva. One of the machines under review by the Home Office is the DDS made by Concateno, an Oxfordshire-based company that already supplies devices to police in Italy and Australia.

The machine analyses saliva from a swab that has been rolled around the gum, tongue and inside cheek of